How Do You Stay Positive In An Unjust World?

Tuesday, 27 April 2010, 12:38 | Category : Uncategorized
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plastic_bottlesLately, I’ve found myself scowling at people buying bottled water in bulk, women in fur coats and those carrying their groceries in plastic bags instead of reusable ones. Yes, lately, I’ve been feeling downright angry that the problems of the world aren’t taking a greater priority in people’s lives. I look around and see amazing activists and compassionate entrepreneurs working their butts off for this planet and all its inhabitants, while the average joe sips his latte in his disposable cup and chews on  his veal parmesan. It’s making me grumpy.

It started on Earth Day. I was at Staples and saw a man with a 24 pack of Poland Spring water in his cart. I wanted to say, “Sir, it’s Earth Day. And those water bottles are kicking our ocean’s butts. Today of all days, can you make the ethical choice?” But I stayed silent, because it would have been rude to say such a thing.

I think most activists feel this way once in a while. I’d like to say we’re always positive and always confidant in the human species. But I believe that would be a lie. Speaking for myself, I have these moments when I doubt our future. I fear for the planet and its inhabitants that the human species isn’t going to shape up in time. We’ll do more damage than we can undo. I don’t mean to be pessimistic, but I want to be honest.

So, today, I’m asking you beautiful blog readers, activists and entrepreneurs…How do you stay positive in this world? Do you focus on the people doing their part? How do you cope with the knowledge that more people are doing the wrong thing than the right thing? I think it’s a matter of just pushing forward and doing the best we can. But the frustration can sometimes be consuming. I’d love your thoughts.

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  • http://www.cowjonesindustrials.com/ Donna

    Hi Ali,
    First – I love your new website. In response to your question, I would have to say that my time alternates between optimism and absolute down in the dumps overwhelming feelings of sadness. I think that is the nature of being aware and being an advocate for change. I continually remind myself that I used to be that unaware peron – it wasn’t that I was intentionally cruel but certainly ignorant. So I like to believe that this is the case for many others. I am optimistic because of people like you who are involved in humane education – that is SO important. I think it will do more good than any other endeavor.

  • http://www.cowjonesindustrials.com Donna

    Hi Ali,
    First – I love your new website. In response to your question, I would have to say that my time alternates between optimism and absolute down in the dumps overwhelming feelings of sadness. I think that is the nature of being aware and being an advocate for change. I continually remind myself that I used to be that unaware peron – it wasn’t that I was intentionally cruel but certainly ignorant. So I like to believe that this is the case for many others. I am optimistic because of people like you who are involved in humane education – that is SO important. I think it will do more good than any other endeavor.

  • http://betweenthemiles.blogspot.com/ kara

    Some days I am overwhelmed… and I carry the sadness on my shoulders, like it’s my fault. Then I do something good. Like send a few bucks to an animal rescue center or pick up trash along my run.
    It helps to focus on the good things I’ve done for the world.

  • http://betweenthemiles.blogspot.com/ kara

    Some days I am overwhelmed… and I carry the sadness on my shoulders, like it’s my fault. Then I do something good. Like send a few bucks to an animal rescue center or pick up trash along my run.
    It helps to focus on the good things I’ve done for the world.

  • Boosted333

    I concur with a lot of what you said, Ali… You have to remember to keep your head up, realize that not everyone is informed, and not everyone cares for the same things you or I care for.

    Try to show the way, through your blog, or in person…. one person (or more!) at a time. Knowing that you are making the effort to make a positive change should keep your spirits lifted.

    Dan

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